Pentax K-7

image by nubobo (Image rights)

The K-7 succeeded the K20D in 2009 as the top DSLR model from Pentax, using K-mount lenses. This model had a restyled, weather-sealed body, admired by those seeking "prosumer" features and build quality in a more compact package than most competitors' models. This also made a good match for Pentax's unusual DA series of compact, high-quality prime lenses, designed for use on APS-C sensor bodies.

The lone dark cloud hanging over the K-7 was its use of a 14-megapixel sensor manufactured by Samsung. While offering detailed images, this lagged competing sensors in high-ISO noise and dynamic range—most embarrassingly, it was outclassed by the Sony sensor used in Pentax's own K-x, a camera whose price was hundreds of dollars lower. Accordingly, for the followup Pentax K-5, Pentax switched to a different Sony sensor of measurably better performance. Thus, the K-7 marked the end of the Pentax/Samsung collaboration, one that had produced several DSLR models from both brands (after this, Samsung struck out on its own with its mirrorless NX System).

Links

• Pentax K-7 review from DPReview.com
• User review by Gordon Lewis, at The Online Photographer

With weather-sealed body image by Kees de Haan (Image rights)